Fraudulent Job
1Min
South Africa
Oct 31, 2025
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel has urged South Africans to be cautious of human trafficking scams linked to fake overseas job offers. Nel warned that traffickers often use false job adverts to lure people into exploitation, especially through social media platforms.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel has on Friday warned the public of the dangers of human trafficking, in particular linked to fraudulent job offers overseas.
This came in the wake of recent reports of South Africans who were identified as potential victims of human trafficking in Myanmar.
Nel urged South Africans to exercise caution when engaging with job offers online, especially via social media platforms. He noted that red flags include adverts lacking official contact information, recruiters unwilling to meet in person, or those unable to provide valid company registration details.
“Human traffickers often use fake job adverts to lure unsuspecting individuals into exploitative situations. Always speak to family or friends before accepting any offer and never hand your identity document or passport to a stranger. Also check travel and visa requirements with official authorities only. Awareness is our first line of defence,” said Nel.
He advised the public to verify any suspicious job advertisements through official websites or labour authorities. Nel added that suspected human trafficking cases, requests for victim support, or concerns about job offer legitimacy can be reported to the South African National Human Trafficking Hotline at 0800 222 777.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development commended the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and other stakeholders for their effort to ensure the safety and dignity of affected South African potential victims of trafficking abroad.
